Edexcel A-Level Persian
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Explore your topics
6 topics
Assessment Objectives1 topic
Themes, sub-themes and research subjects1 topic
Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in Persian1 topic
Translation into Persian and written response to works1 topic
Listening, reading and writing in Persian1 topic
Prescribed literary texts and films1 topic
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Persian
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Persian course immerses students in the language, culture, and society of the Persian-speaking world. You will develop advanced listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills while exploring themes such as social issues, political and artistic culture, and historical perspectives. The specification is structured into four engaging themes that build on your prior knowledge and encourage critical thinking about contemporary Persian-speaking communities.
The course is linear, meaning you will sit all exams at the end of your two-year study. It combines language learning with in-depth study of literary texts and films, giving you a rich understanding of Persian culture. You will also undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice, which is assessed through your speaking exam.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three written papers and one speaking exam, all taken at the end of the course. Paper 1 (Listening, Reading and Translation) is worth 40% of the total A-Level and lasts 2 hours. Paper 2 (Written Response to Works and Translation) is worth 30% and lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes. Paper 3 (Speaking) is worth 30% and consists of a 21-23 minute oral exam that includes a discussion of your independent research project. There is no coursework; all assessment is exam-based.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and well-structured specification with a strong focus on cultural depth, including the study of authentic literary texts and films. This makes it ideal for students who want to combine language learning with cultural analysis.
- The independent research project in the speaking exam allows you to explore a personal interest related to Persian language and culture, giving you greater ownership of your learning and a chance to develop research skills valued by universities.
- Edexcel provides a wide range of support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and exemplar answers, which are easily accessible and help students prepare effectively for the exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prior knowledge do I need to start the Edexcel A-Level Persian course?
How is the speaking exam structured and what is the independent research project?
What literary texts and films can I study for Paper 2?
How can I prepare effectively for the Edexcel A-Level Persian exams?
Is Edexcel A-Level Persian accepted by UK universities?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Treating AO1 as a speaking or translation objective. Correction: AO1 requires understanding of spoken Persian and a written response, so practise writing answers in Persian after listening, not speaking them aloud.
- •Assuming all recordings are slow, formal studio Persian. Correction: prepare for varied sources — interviews, announcements, conversation — with different speeds, registers and regional accents.
- •Writing a general impression instead of the specific information asked for. Correction: identify the task focus (detail, gist, attitude, inference) and answer that point with evidence from the recording.
- •Ignoring accuracy of written Persian because the task is 'listening'. Correction: the response is written, so spelling, grammar and clarity of Persian count towards communicating your understanding.
- •Copying long chunks of the text instead of answering in your own words. Correction: select the relevant information and express it in your own written Persian to show genuine understanding.
- •Reading only for literal detail and missing implied meaning or the writer's attitude. Correction: ask what the writer implies, assumes or feels, and support your answer with evidence from the text.
- •Assuming every text is the same genre and register. Correction: adapt your reading to articles, stories, blogs and formal texts, noting how purpose shapes language.
- •Neglecting written accuracy because the task is 'reading'. Correction: your response is written Persian, so grammar, spelling and clarity affect how well your understanding is communicated.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Listen to the whole recording once without writing, to establish topic, speakers and situation, then use the second hearing for targeted note-taking.
- •Note key Persian words and figures rather than full sentences during the recording, and build full written answers afterwards.
- •Practise with authentic-style Persian audio of different genres and speeds, and check your written answers against the transcript to find where comprehension broke down.
- •Skim the whole text first for topic and structure, then scan for the specific information each question requires.
- •Underline or note key Persian phrases that answer the question, then rewrite them in your own words in the response.
- •Widen your reading across genres and registers, and practise summarising each paragraph in one sentence of Persian.
- •Keep a vocabulary and structure log organised by theme, recording each new item in a full Persian sentence you have written yourself.
- •After drafting, do a dedicated accuracy pass for verb endings, plural and definite marking, and spelling, then a separate range pass to replace repeated words or patterns.
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